BEATRICE - A U.S. Senator from Nebraska took a tour of a local non-profit that is celebrating 50 years of operation.  Senator Deb Fischer met with volunteers of the Community Food Pantry and Emergency Services program, based at St. John Lutheran Church in Beatrice. The pantry works with donors, other churches, local businesses and the Lincoln Food Bank to meet needs in the community.


Program Coordinator Karen Mains says there’s no shortage of need.  "We had 448 people and 150 families....and a year ago, we had 222 people and 75 families. So, we just doubled this year."


The program was established in 1972. It went community-wide, in 1980. In addition to food and monetary support, it offers one-time assistance with rent and utility payments.  In also helps fill a void providing food for students when school is not in session.


Community Pantry Board member Terry Doyle says the organization is doing some future planning, examining whether the program has outgrown its current location in the basement of St. John Lutheran Church.


"This has a huge amount of positives...the main ones being no rent, no utilities. That's pretty hard to beat. But, it also has some negatives because we have a lot of elderly and veterans and people that have walkers...and we have two floors here. We also have a lot of food that has to come and go here. We also have a lot of refrigerators and freezers that don't all fit here, so they're out in people's houses...which is really nice of them, but that can end up being a pain, over a period of time. We have the whole community that is participating in this, so we're just analyzing that, as to should we meet here, or should we move and try to do it all in one story, and make it more convenient."


Senator Fischer met with volunteers and toured the operation, praising those involved for their efforts to address a need impacted by several factors.
"I think a lot of that is due to the stimulus checks that aren't coming anymore. But, also due to inflation. The older people you are able to help...the veterans you are able to help that are on a fixed income. They are affected by that inflation...as are folks that have jobs now. Wages have gone up 4.5%, but inflation is over 7%. The need is still out there, the need is still growing for people. I just want to thank you, for what you have done."


The Community Food Pantry and Emergency Services will hold an event this April, to honor its more than 65 volunteers. The pantry is open Monday and Thursday, 9 a.m. to noon….and 1 to 4 p.m.